In aquatic ecosystems, leaves with high lignin content decompose
A) rapidly because lignin is a nutrient-rich compound.
B) rapidly because lignin enhances colonization by decomposing fungi.
C) slowly because lignin reduces colonization by decomposing fungi.
D) slowly because lignin is a carbon-poor compound.
E) slowly because lignin-containing leaves sink rapidly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lignin is a compound that is resistant to microbial breakdown, which is a key factor in the decomposition process. Therefore, leaves with high lignin content decompose slowly because lignin reduces the colonization of decomposing fungi.

In Aquatic Ecosystems, Leaves with High Lignin Content Decompose